Breast Enhancement

Breast enhancement is a popular elective surgery throughout the world. In the United States, the number of breast enhancement procedures has increased over the years, from 32,000 in 1992 to over 250,000 in 2003. Breast enhancement can help improve physical appearance and self-confidence.
 
Breast enhancement surgery involves the implantation of a filler under both breasts to increase their size. Women considering breast enhancements have a variety of options for filler materials, as well as types of surgeries to implant the fillers.

Types of Implants

The type of implant a patient receives depends on the shape of the breasts, the person’s body type and the desired augmentation. Patients seeking augmentation can choose between different:
  • Materials: Implants can be filled with either a saline solution or a silicone gel.

  • Shapes and Sizes: Saline and silicone breast implants can have a round or teardrop shape, have a high or low profile and can vary in cup sizes.

  • Textures: All breast implants are FDA approved to ensure they pose no obvious risks to a patient. Breast implants consist of a solid silicone shell that can have either a smooth or textured exterior.
Consult your plastic surgeon to determine the specific options that are most appropriate for you. Keep in mind that neither saline nor silicone breast implants are guaranteed to last for the lifetime of the patient. Future surgery may be required to replace the implants and maintain their desired appearance.

Procedures for Breast Enhancement

Many different procedures for breast enhancement are available. Surgeons can make the incision in the fold under the breast, in the armpit, around the areola or in the belly button. The desired position and type of implant will determine where the insertion will be made.
 
Along with the location of the incision, the surgeon also has a few choices as to where to place the implants:
  • Submammary placement involves lifting the breast tissue and placing the implant beneath it.

  • Submuscular placement involves placing the implant under the pectoral muscle directly on top of the breastplate.
After the implant is placed correctly, the incisions will be sutured and the patient is free to go. Swelling is normal at first and can take three to five weeks before completely disappearing.
 
Breast enhancement surgery can be performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient will be put to sleep, or local anesthesia, which only puts part of the body to sleep to prevent pain from being felt. The procedure generally takes between one and two hours and is performed on an outpatient basis.

Who Should Consider Breast Enhancement?

Breast enhancement can increase satisfaction in appearance and self-confidence in many women. Women who seek breast augmentation for the purpose of enhancing their natural look are better candidates for the procedure than those who seek unrealistic perfection.
 
Breast enhancement may also be appropriate for those requiring breast reconstruction following infection or diseases such as mastitis (swollen mammary glands) or cancer. Women who have had children may also seek breast enhancement to return their breasts to prenatal form.

Breast Enhancement Alternatives

Surgery isn’t the only way enhance the breasts. Women should also know that there are non-surgical breast enhancement and natural breast enhancement options available. However, many of these alternatives make claims they cannot support while others offer minimal to moderate success.
 
Many creams and pills claim to enhance breast size through the use of chemicals or natural herbs. Yet, most of these have never been proven to work as promised. Some may provide limited results for a short period of time, requiring continued use.
 
Along with pills and creams, another type of non-surgical breast enhancement is an injection that uses Hyaluronic acid, which can augment the soft tissue in breasts for three months to two years. Another method shown to have some success is the BRAVA enhancement and shaping system, which uses a mechanical device to enhance the breasts.
 
Because breast augmentation is typically an elective surgery, most insurance plans don’t cover this procedure. Some plans do offer coverage for enhancement surgery performed for reconstructive reasons.
 
Resources:
 
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (n.d.). Breast Augmentation. Retrieved on August 16, 2007, from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web site: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures
/AugmentationMammoplasty.cfm.
 
Breast Implants 4 You (n.d.).Alternative Breast Augmentation Options. Retrieved on August 16, 2007, from the Breast Implants 4 You Web site:
http://www.breastimplants4you.com/alternative_options.htm.